It's the right thing to do. Each student with a disability has paid tuition and works toward the same degree expectations as any other student. Sometimes adjustments need to be made to ensure equal access. AND--It's the legal thing to do. The law (Section 504 of the Rehab Act of 1973 and the American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990) specify that “no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.” [SEC. 202. Discrimination, 42 USC 12132]. They also prohibit discrimination in public entities that receive federal funds against qualified people with disabilities in any program, service, or activity they offer.

The number of students at MSUB and City College who are registered for DSS varies from semester to semester. Generally, there are approximately 250 students registered with DSS.  However, the argument could be made that the entire MSUB community benefits from DSS Services. For example, DSS works with Facility Services to establish "Priority Snow Routes"  that are cleared of snow very early to allow individuals with mobility issues safe access to high use areas of our campuses.  Naturally, all early risers on campus benefit from this service. DSS and Facilities Services also coordinate on otheraccommodations, such as, ramps, Braille signage, curb cuts, and accessible restrooms that benefit the entire MSUB Community.   Sign language interpreters at Graduation and other public events benefit many members of the community who are not registered with DSS.  

 

A person with a disability is anyone who has a physical (e.g., quadriplegia) or mental (e.g., anxiety disorder) impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., learning), has a record of such an impairment (e.g., a record of having a specific learning disability), or is regarded as having such an impairment (e.g., a student who is denied admission to medical school because he is HIV positive; see also 34 C.F.R. § 104.3). With respect to postsecondary education, a qualified student with a disability is one who is able to meet a program's admission, academic, and technical standards (i.e., all essential nonacademic admissions criteria) either with or without accommodation.

Additional information on who is eligible

Source article: College Students and Disability Law

YES. If you believe you have a disability that might make you eligible for DSS you should visit with DSS at City College or the University Campus to see if you qualify. Schedule an appointment to meet with a DSS Team Member.    

Most students registered with DSS receive accommodations to assist with their classes.  For example students who are blind or vision impaired receive the accommodation of audio textbooks. Students who are Deaf may have a sign language interpreter in their classes.  Here is a list of common accommodations for students with disabilities:

  • Sign language interpreters
  • Help recording classes, and organizing class notes
  • Test taking accommodations, such as: 
    • extending the time allowed
    • providing quiet room for test taking in order to decrease auditory or visual distractions
    • repeating instructions
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Removal of architectural barriers
  • Installing better lighting in classrooms to assist students with low vision
  • Priority seating in classrooms
  • Written materials in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, digital, and text-to-speech. 

NOTHING. All DSS services are provided to students at no charge. 

  • Personal devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or glasses.
  • Personal services such as assistance with eating, toileting or dressing will not be provided.
  • Accommodations that would fundamentally alter the nature of a program will not be provided.
  • Accommodations which lower or substantially modify academic or program standards will not be provided.
  • Accommodations that are unduly burdensome, administratively or financially.

No. DSS does not provide tutors because all students have access to tutoring services from the Academic Support Center at no charge.

YES. DSS requires proof of disability or documentation.  This can take many forms such as a note from a doctor or full Psycho-Educational Evaluation.  Documentation not only provides proof of a disability it can also suggest specific accommodations that will benefit the student.  While DSS does not offer testing for disabilities -- DSS always works with students to obtain appropriate documentation.